Natalie Arroyo Camacho

As a writer and first-generation Mexican American born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, I'm passionate about celebrating the communities in the 818. That passion fueled the founding of Viva the Valley in November 2020 and it continues to fuel its upkeeping. Full time, I'm a writer and editor at California State University, Northridge. I also am a freelancer and work with editors at websites and magazines as well as small business owners who want to share more on their business blogs.

20 More Valley-Based Instagram Accounts to Follow

These Instagram accounts are run by San Fernando Valley residents and provide updates from community members, photographers, and small businesses in the San Fernando Valley. (Photo courtesy of Blue Hour Valley)

Apparel Shop Valley kids

This Valley Kid Has Designed Pins for Danny Trejo and George Lopez (and that Bernie Pin You Might’ve Seen Around)

David Aguirre is a pretty big deal and has 24,000 followers on his business’s Instagram, PINetration®.

Plants Shop Valley kids

5 Plant Plugs in the San Fernando Valley

We made this list so you could stop buying your plants from The Home Depot. (No shade.)

Food Shop

Support These 30 Small Valley Businesses This Valentine’s Day

This list is alphabetized by city. In it, you’ll find local vendors for balloons, charcuterie boards, chocolate covered strawberries, flowers, picnics, and more.

Food

8 Mouth-Watering Hot Chicken Places in the Valley

Hot chicken is all the rave among foodies, and the San Fernando Valley is serving it ~hot~. The one photographed here is from Hawaiian Hot Chicken in Northridge.

Community Real estate

Singer-Songwriter Kali Uchis Owns a Home in Valley Village

Real estate agent and video content creator Nestor Aguilar, aka The 818 Insider, says “Valley Village is…the Silver Lake of the Valley.”